A majority of my time in Haven was spent studying. A whole lot of it. I had to admit that Thedas's herbology was absolutely fascinating. Elfroot was by far considered the most important plant available. It could be made into healing potions which are typically used in battle.
As I understand, healing potions aren't very useful when not fighting, as they function by amping up blood production and boosting the body's clotting factor. Makes sense considering that the biggest risk in battle is bleeding out. On the other hand, when prepared differently a poultice can be made that's quite similar to a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug by reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. Poultices are obviously more typically used in a safer environment where the patient is stationary.
My train of thought was interrupted by the door swinging open, revealing an Inquisition scout informing me of a meeting in the Chantry. Brow furrowing at why I would be needed, I waved goodbye to Adan, who ignored me while preparing various concoctions, I then began to walk to the meeting.
I enter the Chantry to see Max already there, walking to the War Room with Cassandra. He must have made a joke, as Cassandra snorts and smirks. Greeting the pair as I approach, Cassandra swings the door open, revealing three very distinctive figures standing within the room.
Naturally, the bright yellow caught my eye first. The tanned woman wore a golden dress topped to the brim with frills. She was quite beautiful if I were to be honest, I even felt a bit envious, however I squashed that feeling immediately. It would not do to have a negative opinion on the woman when I haven't even met her yet.
Next to her were Cassandra and Leliana both looking deadly in their own ways. Cassandra holding the presence of a bear, durable and protective, demanding each and every bit of your attention. On the other hand, Leliana was the polar opposite. Regal and beautiful, with sharp eyes taking in every detail. Lying in the background, wound and ready to strike at a moment's notice, the serpent under the innocent flower.
To my surprise, the final figure was a familiar face. It was the blonde haired man from my first day in Thedas. I vaguely recall the events. You also wanted to climb him like a tree my mind rebelliously whispers. My face must have been an open book, as he too recognized me and nodding in acknowledgment.
Cassandra introduces him first. "May I present Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition's forces."
"Such as they are. We lost many soldiers in the valley, and I fear many more before this is through," he replied, grimacing slightly.
Cassandra moves on. "This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our ambassador and chief diplomat."
"I've heard much. A pleasure to meet you both at last." she smiles. Oh god, she's well-spoken and pretty. That little bud of envy is growing back up again, kicking and screaming.
"And of course you know Sister Leliana." Cassandra finishes off.
The elusive Leliana finally speaks, "My position here involves a degree of-"
"She is our spymaster." Cassandra bluntly interjects. I couldn't help but snort.
"Yes," Leliana sighs. "Tactfully put, Cassandra," Leliana says, wry expression gracing her face.
Max grins at them. "A pleasure to meet you all." Everyone's eyes then turn to me. Oh.
"That's an impressive bunch of titles," I blurt out. How charming of me, making an excellent impression already. "I'm afraid my greatest accomplishment was doing a handstand while drunk," I add sardonically.
I earn a snort from Max and amused smiles from the rest for my efforts. I give myself a mental high-five.
Cassandra then clears her throat to call for our attention. "I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good."
"Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help," Leliana said.
"And I still disagree. The Templars could serve just as well." Cullen argued. Templar… I pondered. I'm still not quite clear on what they are, but I get the impression that they have something to do with magic. Or rather, against it.
The room quickly devolved into arguments regarding who would be needed to deal with the Breach. Leliana advocating for the mages and Cullen the Templars. Most of what they said went over my head quite honestly. My head reeled at the realization at the ever growing stack of things I need to learn about.
I slowly slid over to Max and mock whispered to him. "Mommy and Daddy are fighting again. I'm scared."
At my words he grinned and played along. "Don't worry, It'll all be over soon. I'll protect you." he mock whispered back. Josephine caught wind of our antics and sent an entertained smile our way. The arguing died down slightly and Josephine jumped at the opportunity.
"Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition – and both of you, specifically."
"They still think I'm guilty," Max said glumly, shoulders sagging.
"That didn't take long." I said, eyebrows raised. Although I'm not too surprised. A woman sent from another world to guide the Herald of a Prophet's will? I'd laugh too.
"That is not the entirety of it any longer." Josephine consoled him.
Cullen rolled his eyes. "Shouldn't they be busy arguing over who's going to become Divine?"
"Some are calling you the 'Herald of Andraste,' and that frightens the Chantry," Josephine went on to explain. "The remaining Clerics have declared it blasphemy, and we heretics for harboring you."
"Chancellor Roderick's doing, no doubt," Cassandra said darkly.
Max went on to ask several questions regarding his status and the motives of the Chantry. Leliana brought the conversation to a halt when she added. She went on to explain who Mother Giselle is and how she might be able to sway the Chantry. It was agreed upon the Max would set out tomorrow to the Hinterlands to seek her out.
Josephine turned to me. "Gwen, yes? I'd like to discuss your role within the Inquisition. In Cassandra's words you are 'useless' at combat, so you cannot accompany the Herald," I glared at Cassandra, she just stared back unapologetically. "As such, you will be stationed here in Haven. I have been informed that you have formal education, yes?" At her prompt, I nod. "I'm glad. I shall devote my evenings to teaching you Thedas's history and political climate. Is that agreeable?"
Quickly getting overwhelmed, I nodded, "Y-yes that would be good."
She smiled. "In addition, we must ask of you to manage the infirmary. It is quite meager as of this moment, however, we hope to shortly rectify that issue."
Cullen spoke up. "As you imagine, a majority of our forces are going to be fresh recruits. Which means a lot of accidents. I believe we'll be working together frequently." he smiled politely, I smiled back because I doubt anyone with a pulse could resist.
"I'd be honored to accept such a position, Josephine."
She smiled beautifully. "Wonderful! I believe this meeting is adjourned then?" A collective nod went around the room. "Lady Gwen, I'll send a messenger for you tonight," she said. I nodded in assent. Max and I exited the Chantry together and to my surprise, the sun had already set. Had we been in there that long?
I wandered aimlessly around Haven for a while, not quite wanting to dive back into books yet. I passed by Commander Rutherford training the new recruits, I wasn't able to work up the courage to say hello. He looked busy anyhow.
I walked into Varric, who led me into the local tavern. The barmaid greeted us and went to grab us some drinks. We found a lone table at the back corner of the establishment. I shifted constantly on my seat, unused to the uncomfortable hardwood stools.
"So… It is actually true that you're from another world? Thought you were makin' it up to save your ass." Varric asks. I nod, feeling like that's a question I'm going to hear a lot in the future. Varric seems to take a moment digesting that information. Finally, he nods and turns to me with a slight smile. "Tell me about it."
And so I did. I'm unsure of how many hours we spent in that little corner of the bar. I regaled Varric of tales and legends from Earth, told him about our miraculous leaps in technology, told him about the people, and of what little history I know. With each little tale, my heart broke just a little further. I took a swig of my drink and grimaced, Ferelden ale tasted horrible, bitter, and unlike anything back home. Home . That little, tiny word brought me over the edge. I was in the middle of talking about my hometown when a sob wrenched it's way out my throat.
"I-I'm sorry," I croaked, hastily wiping the tears away. Varric looked a smidge panicked, then again, who'd know how to respond to a sobbing drunken woman. I pushed the heels of my palms to my eyes in order to stop the crying, until I felt a hand on my shoulders bringing me out of my distress. It was Varric. "I believe you. I don't think even I could make something like that up," he said. He then proceeded to help me off the seat. "Come on, let's get you back to the cabin."
It was pitch-black when we stepped outside. The cold mountain air instantly burning my lungs. We slowly made our way back to the cabin, sniffling on my part filling the silence between us. Entering the cabin revealed Max preparing his backpack for tomorrow's journey. He presumably saw my puffy eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but Varric most likely made some sort of gesture to drop the subject. Barely summoning the energy to do so, I manage to yank the boots off my feet before collapsing onto the bed. One thought bounced around in my head until the blissful abyss of sleep took over.
I'm scared.